Want the Best Baby Toys? Apply this Secret...

I just promised to reveal the secret of how to find the best baby toys. And I will fulfill that promise. OR DIE TRYING.

So what's it going to be, Mom? brain-boosting toys? or mental cardboard?

(Okay, not really. But I will try really really
hard.)

But first, I have to ask you a question.

Well, two questions.

What are the developmental skills your baby is working on right now?

What are the milestones you're looking for?

If you don't know what milestones you should be seeing, that's probably because you haven't requested a copy of my freeMilestone Marker.
At least, that's my hypothesis anyway...

Those two questions are actually vital (VITAL I TELL YOU), in determining what the best baby toys are going to be for your baby.

I could show you some pretty awesome tummy-time toys (and I do), but that won't help if your baby is running around.

So the first step is to figure out what stage of development your baby is either currently in, or will be soon.

If I slapped all these milestones in a single article, you'd never get through it all before the end of naptime, so I've split it into ages.

This article is going to focus on those milestones babies ages 3 to 6 months are trying to master. If your baby is not in that age range, click on the age you need below for tips
on how to shop smart for his developmental skill.

If you're looking for the best baby toys for newborns (0-3 months), click here.

Or if your baby is starting to waddle around the house (9 months & up) and you need the best baby toys to keep him occupied, go here.

The Best Baby Toys to Teach Cause and Effect

One of my favorite milestones to watch happen is the 'ole "Cause and Effect" milestone.

What a great age. Interested in everything, and yet completely immobile...

You know, it's the one where your baby figures out that if she shakes that rattle-thingy, something happens.

And then, as the light begins to dawn, she looks at you all wide-eyed with excitement and starts shaking away like a crazy-baby.

*giggles*

Help her find that happy place by offering toys that give the pay-off she's looking for.

Isabella's Favorite Shake Toy

My youngest's favorite shake toy was the Giddy Up Gal set. One rattles,
and the other sings. Plus it's the perfect size for chubby fingers to grasp. Not only did she love them
at four months, she was carrying them around at 12.

This rattle (and it's sibling, Pirate and Pal) were both
given awards by Parents and Shine magazines in 2010. (They make great stocking stuffers, btw.)

How Do You Say "Brilliant" in Spanish?

This toy holds interest way past the 6-month mark, making it a great purchase for long-term use.

It was also chosen as the Best Toy in 2010 by Dr. Toy.
(Yes, chosen as #1 from someone with a doctorate in toys!!!)

Finally! Something He Can Hit!

He may not be able to hit the coffee table, but he can go to town on this
learning workbench. The "nails" light up and play songs when they're hit.

Everything you think of when you hear the phrase "cause and effect" is on this toy somehow. It will hold his attention for months and months to come.

The Best Baby Toys to Teach Object Permanence

What does "object permanence" mean in normal-speak?

Basically, it's the concept that objects still exist even when we can't see them. Up until this point, your baby has
believed that those toys you're hiding under the blanket have simply stopped existing.

Now her brain is beginning to understand that if she rips that blanket away, she will find the toy underneath, just where you placed it.

This is why infants around this age love the whole "put it in and take it out again" game. Here are a few of the most best baby toys for building
object permanence.

The Disappearing & Reappearing Ball Act

Not only is this musical elephant fun to look at,
when your baby places the ball in at the top, it REAPPEARS AT THE BOTTOM!

Annnnnd it lights up and plays a tune when the ball comes out!

But wait, there's more!

Let me amaze you even further by revealing...that it stacks! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, this is a stacking toy that will entrance your future 9-month-old long
enough for you to whip up pancakes for supper. (The "opposite day" meal happens at our house too.)

A Flying House of Birds

This precious birdhouse includes four distinctly different birds, the perfect size for tiny hands to grasp.

Babies can open the lid, or the side door to take out the birds or put them back in. It also has a little handle for easy toting over the river and
through the woods to Grandma's house.

For bonus braintime, point out the different colors of the birds, encourage him to try the cheep cheep sounds, and count them out loud.

The Best Baby Toys to Encourage Bouncing

The closer your infant gets towards the 6th-month mark, the more important the bouncing milestone gets.

I've seen too many doorframe jump-ups recalled. I'll keep her bouncing a little closer to the ground.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the "Johnny Jump-ups" of the world.

First, they only fit certain door frames that my 100-year-old house doesn't have.

Second, they freak me out.

I keep thinking she's going to come crashing to the floor with the door frame on top of her head. *shudder*.

So, because I'm the Ultimate Supreme Dictator of Everything for All Gaither Family Children,
I've banned them from use.

(Even at Grandma's. Sorry Mom, time to update your collection of baby toys from 1975.)

You may be a braver mom than I. In which case, hop to it. (Get it? hop?)

But for my fellow safety-fanatics, here are some alternatives to build up those leg muscles.

How 'Bout Bouncing AND Spinning?

Overachievers will love the new-and-improved take on an old fashioned bouncer.
This jumping frog allows your infant to spin herself around and bounce AT THE SAME TIME. Did I just rock your world or what?

Another reason why I like this particular bouncer is that it's compact. My house ain't no mansion. (Surprising as I'm sure that is...)

I've got about 2 feet of space next to the washing machine in the basement available for baby-toy storage.

Fortunately, this fold-up bouncer fits perfectly. Phew! I thought we were going to have to find a new house.

I'm a 1st time young mom, 23 and single, so I have found very very helpful...I can't seem to stop myself telling everyone I know about you, some thought you were my mom!~ Vuyiswa N.

Your website is very helpful and I discovered a couple of great online stores. 'Cause I'm not a big reader, it is very nice that I can find the most important information through your
website.~ Tonya G.

Thanks Heather! Your Milestone eBook is SO detailed and so correct. My son is doing all or most of the things and many are not mentioned in the usual books/sites. Great job and keep it up!~ Anwesha C.

Thanks so much for creating such an AWESOME website. I really appreciate your sense of humor and real writing style.~ Andrea Z.